Welder Salary in La Vergne, TN: $47,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in La Vergne, TN earns a median $47,990/year (≈ $23.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in La Vergne's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $52,277 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in La Vergne, Tennessee, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $47,990, which reflects a significant regional variation, especially when compared to the national median of $55,895. The salary range is notably diverse, spanning from $37,059 at the lower end (P10) to $66,956 at the top tier (P90). These projections are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions. For aspiring welders, understanding the investment in equipment and the potential earnings from rig welder ownership can provide a pathway to higher compensation. In La Vergne, the job market presents opportunities primarily in mobile welding or specialty roles in manufacturing, offering various pay scales and economic conditions depending on the nature of the work.
About the La Vergne Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,059 | $17.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,747 | $20.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,990 | $23.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,501 | $26.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,956 | $32.20 |
Median Salary Position
14.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Vergne
In La Vergne, TN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,897 (2026 est.). At $47,990, the local median is 14.14% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in La Vergne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How La Vergne Welder Pay Compares
La Vergne median: $47,990/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Vergne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $50,252 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -14.14% less |
Welders in La Vergne, TN earn a median of $47,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.14% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $50,252.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Vergne has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Vergne, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $47,990 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,277 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,481
2025 BLS Actual
$46,149
2026 Current Est.
$47,990
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,481 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,941 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,362 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,817 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,149 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,905 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Vergne metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $36,481 (2019) to $46,149 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,905 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,424 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Vergne metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,059 – $42,747 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,747 – $47,990 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,990 – $55,501 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,501 – $66,956 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in La Vergne
The local welding job market features around eight professionals actively employed, with a cost-of-living index at 91.8 indicating that earnings may stretch a bit further compared to national averages. Employers in La Vergne that tend to pay the most are typically involved in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding projects, and specialized manufacturing plants. To maximize earnings, welders should consider obtaining advanced certifications such as the 6G pipe qualification or other specialization credentials, as these can significantly influence pay rates. Additionally, welders who travel for work can garner higher hourly rates plus per-diem benefits—this opportunity often drives significant pay differences. As the workforce ages and demand for skilled welders rises, positioning oneself with the right certifications and flexible work options can yield improved welder pay in La Vergne, TN.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,149 for weldersin the La Vergne metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for La Vergne is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov